Sheryl Nantus - Battle Scars

My thanks to Angela James and the amazing staff at Carina Pressfrom the faboo art department to the fantastic author support crew who keep this crazy machine from running off the rails!

Id always thought Id appreciate the sight of a near-naked man scampering around my house in a pair of boxer shorts.

Until now.

I cleared my throat as Jake Middleston glared at me, his back to the kitchen. He had about ten years on me, with skin that had been left out in the sun too long. The jean jacket he wore over a dingy gray T-shirt was ripped along the armshonest injuries and not for fashion. His short-cropped black hair was turning gray in spots, scattered over the scalp.

His nostrils flared and he frowned.

He could smell Brandon Hanover, my lover and new roommate, as Bran snuck into the kitchen.

He let out something akin to a huff.

Jake was old-school Felis. Tolerated humans when necessary, and even then under duress. He and his kin believed in the doctrine of each to their own and being in the same house as a human was tough, much less knowing said human was mated to me, a fellow Felis. I could see the words on his lips itching to break out, a good old-fashioned racist rant at me for being so involved with human society that Id consider one of them as my beloved.

I had a snappy retort ready to go, curses included. My home, my rules.

But he was also a client and I had to stay polite in the face of old-fashioned prejudice. Id done it before for other clients, slimy adulterers who wanted an easy way out of their marriage and itchy-fingered businessmen looking for criminals in their midst who stole paperclips and pencils.

If you had asked me six months ago if Id have my fellow cat shifters as clients I would have laughed in your face. Being outcast for two decades has that effect on me.

But recent events had brought me back into the family and scored me one hot human mate, so I was prepared to deal with family as possible clients. And keep my mouth shut.

Besides, I needed the cash.

You said you needed my help, I prompted, trying to draw his attention away from Bran. I couldnt see him but I could smell him, fresh from our bed upstairs.

He hadnt showered yet, making his natural male smell more intense, almost to the point of overpoweringlets just say that we enjoy waking each other up multiple times before we actually get up. Id managed to get into the shower before my arranged meeting with Middleston but hed refused, showing his stubborn streak and annoyance at me having anything to do in the morning other than stay in bed.

Bran knew we Felis had an enhanced sense of smell. And I knew he knew my new client would have it, as well.

The older man rubbed the palms of his hands on his jeans, likely in an attempt to ignore the musky scent drifting across the room. I have a daughter, Lisa. Shes almost eighteen and thinks she knows it all. He gave me a knowing smile. As you can guess we disagree on a few things.

I nodded. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted Bran tiptoeing toward the stairs cradling a huge bowl of tortilla chips and a bottle of salsa.

He knew I hated crumbs in bed.

He knew I couldnt say anything without making a scene.

I kept my attention on Middleston. It kept me from considering disembowelment.

She... He cleared his throat. She ran away a few days ago. I figured she was just mad at me again, the usual stuff. You know how kids are these days, they get told no once and they fly off the handle. He glanced to one side, a flush coming over his face. Since her mom passed away a few years ago we havent been as close as Id have liked. Shes my youngest, a happy surprise as my wife put it. Other two are married and gone off to different Prides, so its just the two of us. He swallowed hard and drew a deep breath, steadying himself. Her mom, she raised all of them right, three daughters I love to death. But Lisa and I, weve just sort of been, well, disconnected since Jamie died. I dont do all that great with kits to start with, and little girls, well

Why did you wait so long to come to me?

He glanced toward the front door. I called the local cops and they told me to give her a few days, let her think it over. Said most runaways change their minds as soon as they get off the bus down in the city, turn around and come right back. He cleared his throat again. I wanted to give her that chance, to come home without any questions.

But she didnt.

Shes down here in Toronto. I know it cause she never stopped talking bout coming to the city, making her fortune here. She left me a note saying she loved me but she had to strike out on her own and all that. Ive heard things, bad things about young women who come to the city. He let out a staggered sigh. I dont want her to be one of those statistics.

I waited.

He spread his hands. I dont know nothing about this city, Miss Desjardin. Ive been here a handful of times, once to see that Phantom thing cause Jamie had me buy her tickets for her birthday and a few more times for business. All I know is our town and our Pride. Lisa, she did school trips and all that. Its what made her think of coming here. If I were twenty years younger, even ten, Id be on her trail. But this, this is beyond my ken. I cant hunt in this city like you can. This is your territory. He bit down on his lower lip before continuing. I want my daughter back and I think youre my best chance.

Whens her birthday?

He cleared his throat. In three days.

You understand when she turns eighteen shes recognized as an adult by the authorities. I tried not to look toward the stairs. I cant promise Ill find her by then.

Jake nodded. I know its not a lot of time but I want to talk to her one last time. If she wants to go her own way Ill accept that but I dont want us to go our own ways angry at each other. I owe her mother that much. He tucked his chin into his chest. I just want the chance. Three days, three weeks. Find her and tell her I want to talk, thats all.

Ill do my best to find her and inform her of your wishes. Id learned early in the private investigator game to not make promises I couldnt keep.

Do you He paused and I could see him fighting to find the right words. Do you find a lot of lost kids?

I wasnt going to lie, not to family. I dont get a lot of these types of cases. Usually the parents call me in a panic because their darling didnt come home last night and I find the kids a few hours later cowering at a shelter or at the bus station, ready to go home. The glamorous life of a runaway isnt what most kids are prepared for.

Lisas a smart kit. Took her kill within the hour on her first hunt. His chest puffed out. Shes a tough little girl. Shes a survivor.

Well see how it goes. As I said, I cant promise anything but Ill give you my best.

He sat back in the wooden chair and studied me. Heard you was good and honest. His tone shifted more toward approval than resignation. At least I wouldnt be fighting with Daddy during this job.

I smiled. I try. Do you have a recent picture?

Figured youd be asking for one. Middleston withdrew a wallet-sized picture from an inside jacket pocket and put it on the desk. The young redhead grinned out at me with youthful optimism. Petite and posing by a fence, Lisa looked like a thousand other young girls on the verge of adulthood.

My hand hovered over it. I paused, wrestling with my conscience. Forgive me for asking, but why arent you going through other...resources?